Shops and services:Berlin is the first federal state of Germany where shops can decide themselves when to open and close. A good place to start might be the Europa-Centre or Kaufhaus Des Westens (KaDeWe) -- with over seven massive floors of higher-end merchandise KaDeWe is the 'Kaiser' of German department stores.

Medical and dental:The quality of healthcare in Berlin is good, and there are many modern medical facilities to choose from. The U.S. Consulate, Citizens' Services Division, maintains a list of English-speaking physicians in Berlin, or you could search for doctors and/or hospitals through Med-Kolleg's Health in Germany website.

Regardless of your location, Canadian Forces doctors will consult with you or your local doctor on request. If you have concerns about your medical care or just need reassurance about the care you are receiving, please contact one of the Canadian healthcare professionals.

Schools and childcare:Education in Germany is primarily a responsibility of the states, and the educational system may vary from state to state. In Berlin, there are numerous options for schools and childcare:

More information regarding the German education system and related aspects can be found on the German Eduserver Portal.

The Dependent Education website deals with the education and related care of DND dependent students both inside and outside of Canada, providing a list of world education sites and links to the Canadian Forces International Schools. The site also provides information on screening procedures and guidelines, education allowances, education compatibility and language instruction.

Language training:When living in a foreign country, everyday tasks such as shopping, banking and commuting can become difficult. A basic understanding of the native language is essential. You can learn German, Dutch, French, and other languages through Rosetta Stone.

In addition to the language schools listed here, there are many adult education language training options in Berlin:

Need a quick translation? AltaVista Babelfish will help you translate from English to French and French to English, as well as many other language combinations.

Need an online dictionary? Try WordReference. It provides word translation from English to French, Spanish, Italian, as well as English-only word definitions.

Dining and entertainment:From the classic outdoor beer garden to high-end cuisine, you're sure to find something in Berlin to suit every taste. And since the city has two zoos, over 150 museums, and a number of leisure parks and water parks, there is definitely a lot here to keep you busy.